The Benefits & Importance of Play & Learn Storytime for Young Children

Posted on August 28, 2024 at 6:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley

Storytime at the library is a fun experience with books and also so much more. It’s a time for parents and caregivers to start their young children on the path to a lifelong love of reading and learning.

First up, talking! At storytime, kids listen to lively storytelling and take part in the conversation. This helps them pick up new words and understand how language works. When the storytime leader asks questions about the story and kids share their ideas and comments, it boosts their early language skills without them even realizing it.

Then there’s singing. Songs make storytime even more enjoyable and are fantastic for language development. Singing slows down the words, helping kids hear different sounds and syllables. Catchy tunes introduce them to new words and ideas in a way that sticks. So, when kids sing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” they’re not just having fun—they’re learning!

Of course, the star of the program is reading together. When we read out loud, kids are drawn into the story and illustrations. This shared reading experience builds vocabulary and comprehension skills while making reading fun. When children enjoy stories, they grow a love of reading.

Writing might seem a bit advanced, but for preschoolers in particular it’s all part of the package. Our storytime activities include printed letters and words, helping early learners begin to understand that those squiggles on the page represent spoken words. Whether scribbling on a craft project or tracing their names, kids are forming the connection between spoken and written language.

And let’s not forget about playing! Our storytimes are called “Play & Learn” for good reason. Play is an essential way for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to learn.

Our weekly Play & Learn Storytime programs always include playtime after reading stories and singing songs. We bring out toys and activities that build on important skills, such as counting, identifying colors, creative playing, and sharing. This helps kids put their thoughts into words and talk about what they’re doing, reinforcing language skills in a natural, enjoyable way.

Library storytime is an awesome blend of talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing that bolsters young children’s development of critical early literacy skills.

So, the next time you take your little one to storytime, know that they’re not just having a blast—they’re learning and growing in so many wonderful ways. Try it and see!

Baby Play & Learn Storytime for kids ages 0–18 months:

• North Spokane Library: Wednesdays at 9:30am
• Spokane Valley Library: Wednesdays at 9:30am
• Moran Prairie Library: Wednesdays at 10:30am

Toddler Play & Learn Storytime for kids ages 18–36 months:

• Cheney Library: Tuesdays at 10:30am
• Deer Park Library: Tuesdays at 10:30am
• North Spokane Library: Thursdays at 9:30am
• Spokane Valley Library: Thursdays at 9:30am

Preschool Play & Learn Storytime for kids ages 3–5 years:

• North Spokane Library: Tuesdays at 9:30am
• Deer Park Library: Thursdays at 10:30am
• Spokane Valley Library: Fridays at 9:30am
• Cheney Library: Fridays at 10:30am

Family Play & Learn Storytime for kids ages 2–5 years and their families:

• Spokane Valley Library: Tuesdays at 9:30am
• Argonne Library: Wednesdays at 10:30am
• Medical Lake Library: Wednesdays at 10:30am
• Airway Heights Library: Thursdays at 10:30am
• Moran Prairie Library: Thursdays at 10:30am
• Otis Orchards Library: Thursdays at 10:30am
• North Spokane Library: Fridays at 9:30am

You can also do storytime activities at home to build the skills children need for kindergarten. Visit our Getting Ready for Kindergarten web pages to explore games and activities today.

Gwendolyn Haley is a librarian and the Education and Enrichment Public Services Manager at Spokane County Library District, helping to plan programs for all ages, from preschool to adulthood. When not at work, she juggles a little bit of everything: kids, home, community service, gardening, reading, cooking, and more. Oh, and she knows how to juggle—literally.

Tags: caregivers, children, development, early learners, early learning, kids, Kindergarten, learn, literacy, parents, reading, skills, stories, storytime, young play